The Origin and Evolution of Burnstick Lake's Name: A Historical Account

Burnstick Lake, nestled in the forested foothills near Caroline, Alberta, carries a name with an intriguing origin story that reflects both human error and administrative decision-making. This approximately 4.5 km long and 1 km wide lake has undergone a notable transformation in its name, transitioning from "Burnt Stick" to "Burnstick" through an inadvertent clerical error that eventually became official nomenclature.

The Name Change: From Burnt Stick to Burnstick

The story of Burnstick Lake's name begins with its original designation as "Burnt Stick Lake." Historical records indicate that the lake was established and recognized by the Provincial Government in 1937 with this original name^[1]. However, the lake's identity underwent an unexpected transformation in the 1950s, before any substantial development had occurred around its shores. During this period, a pivotal clerical error occurred when someone misspelled the name as "Burnstick" on an official document^[2].

This typographical error created a persistent confusion that would last for decades. Both versions of the name—"Burnt Stick" and "Burnstick"—continued to be used concurrently on maps, road signs, and official documents throughout the area^[2][1]. This dual naming system caused considerable confusion for visitors attempting to locate the lake and created administrative complications for officials managing the area.

The confusion persisted until 1988, when the Burnstick Lake Cottage Owners' Association took action by formally petitioning the government to permanently standardize the name as "Burnstick"^[1]. This request was made specifically to eliminate the ongoing confusion caused by the dual naming convention. After consideration, the government officially approved this change in 1991, formally adopting "Burnstick" as the lake's sole official designation^[1][3].

Theories on the Original "Burnt Stick" Name

While the historical record clearly documents how "Burnt Stick" became "Burnstick," the search results provide limited direct evidence explaining why the lake was originally called "Burnt Stick." However, several contextual clues from the surrounding geography and common naming practices of the era offer possible explanations.

One striking physical feature of the lake is what locals refer to as "Stick Henge," a collection of standing dead trees located on a point just west of the Village^[2]. These trees create an iconic and visually distinctive landmark that resembles burnt sticks protruding from the water. The formation occurred because when the lake's water level was raised by approximately 2.5 meters in 1975 due to dam construction, many standing trees were submerged but remained partially visible above the water line^[2]. While this particular formation came after the original naming, similar dead trees or "burnt sticks" might have been present in earlier times, potentially inspiring the lake's original name.

The geological and ecological history of the region may also offer clues. Alberta's foothills have historically experienced forest fires, which could have left charred trees or "burnt sticks" around the lake area, providing a descriptive basis for its name. Such naming conventions based on visible landscape features were common practice when settlers and surveyors were establishing place names in western Canada.

Development History of Burnstick Lake

The lake's development history provides important context for understanding how its name evolved alongside human settlement. While the lake itself had been established and named by 1937, significant development did not occur until decades later.

In the late 1960s, the Alberta government surveyed and offered leases for lots in what would become Pine and Poplar Close^[2]. These initial lots were awarded through a lottery system, with strict requirements that buildings had to be completed externally within a two-year period or the lease would be forfeited^[2]. The annual lease charge was initially just $10.00^[1].

Development expanded in the 1970s when the government opened additional lots for lease on Spruce and Fir Close, Balsam Crescent, and adjacent lots on Burnstick Drive^[2][1]. These were 25-year Miscellaneous Leases with annual rental fees that eventually grew to $200.00 plus taxes^[1]. To qualify for these leases, individuals had to be Canadian citizens over 18 years old, and were restricted from occupying the buildings for more than 120 days per year^[2][1].

A significant transformation occurred in 1979 when the Burnstick Lake Cottage Owners' Association (BLCOA) petitioned the government to allow the purchase of the leased lots. Surprisingly, the government agreed, and each lot was professionally assessed and valued according to factors such as location, size, slope, and terrain^[2][1].

In 1990, electricity was brought to Burnstick Lake by TransAlta, requiring a minimum of 21 out of the 57 lots to participate. The community exceeded this minimum requirement, and by September 1991, the village was electrified^[2].

Perhaps most significantly for administrative purposes, in 1993 the community successfully applied for Summer Village status after a second attempt. This designation gave the newly formed Summer Village of Burnstick Lake jurisdiction within its defined boundaries, allowing residents to set their own taxes and manage local affairs without needing approval from the Municipal District of Clearwater. As a result, the BLCOA was dissolved in May 1993, with all its assets transferred to the new Summer Village administration^[2].

Physical Characteristics and Features

Burnstick Lake has several distinctive physical characteristics that have shaped its development and use. Originally, the lake was merely a collection of small ponds until 1945, when an earth dam was constructed at the outlet^[2]. Over subsequent years, the dam was raised and eventually replaced with a steel coffer dam, with the current dam being built in 1975^[2]. These modifications raised the water level by approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet), significantly altering the lake's hydrology and appearance^[2].

The lake encompasses a water surface of 295 hectares in an area about 4.5 km long and one km wide^[4]. It has a volume of 14.5 million cubic meters and a maximum depth of approximately 18 meters (60 feet), with the deepest section located just south of the Village boat launch^[2][4]. The lake features a shallow plateau in its middle that becomes covered with water lilies during summer months, adding to its scenic appeal^[2].

The lake has one major inlet stream, West Stony Creek (sometimes called Upper Stoney Creek), which feeds the lake from the southwest^[2]. Its single outflow, East Stony Creek (sometimes called Lower Stoney Creek), exits the lake by the campground and flows into the James River, which eventually connects to the Red Deer River and ultimately to Hudson's Bay^[2].

An interesting hydrological characteristic of Burnstick Lake is its relatively short water residence time of approximately 5 years^[2][4]. Although the lake itself is fairly small with a volume of 14.5 million cubic meters, it drains a disproportionately large area of 62.5 square kilometers^[2][4]. This rapid water turnover contributes to the lake's excellent water quality and notable clarity^[2].

Conclusion

The story of Burnstick Lake's name represents a fascinating case of how human error can permanently alter geographical nomenclature. What began as "Burnt Stick Lake," likely named for visible fire-damaged trees or similar landscape features, became "Burnstick Lake" through a simple typographical error in the 1950s. After decades of confusion with dual naming, the simplified "Burnstick" spelling was officially adopted in 1991 following community advocacy.

While the exact reasoning behind the original "Burnt Stick" designation remains somewhat obscure in the historical record, the surrounding context suggests it was descriptively linked to the visible landscape features of the area. The lake's subsequent development from a natural collection of ponds to a managed recreational area with a summer village reflects the broader patterns of rural development in Alberta during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Today, Burnstick Lake stands as both a natural resource and a community focal point, with its unusual name serving as a reminder of how small clerical errors can permanently shape our geographical identities and collective sense of place.

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• https://www.burnsticklakesummervillage.ca/History.html         
• http://www.burnsticklakesummervillage.ca/Files/Handbook/CabinOwnersHandbook2018.pdf                     
• https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=be01be0dc6cd11d892e2080020a0f4c9 
• https://alms.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Burnstick_WMP.pdf